Ever gone for a long run and woke up the next day feeling like your muscles were staging a protest? Well, guess what? Your furry jogging buddy might be experiencing the same thing! As a dog owner who’s spent countless hours watching my Lab mix collapse dramatically on the floor after our weekend hikes I’ve often wondered can dogs get sore from running?
The short answer is yes, dogs absolutely can get sore from running and exercise – just like us humans! But unlike us, they can’t exactly reach for the ibuprofen or complain about their aching quads. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about canine muscle soreness, how to spot it, and what you can do to help your four-legged athlete recover.
How Dogs Experience Muscle Soreness
When dogs run their muscles experience micro-tears similar to what happens in human muscles during exercise. This process causes inflammation and soreness that can make it uncomfortable for them to move around afterward.
The interesting thing about our canine companions is that they often push through discomfort because they’re so eager to please us or because they’re having too much fun to stop. I’ve seen my own dog ignore completely worn paw pads just to keep chasing that tennis ball!
Dr. Emily Reynolds, a veterinarian specializing in canine rehabilitation, explains: “Rest is crucial for dogs, especially after a strenuous workout. Allowing them time to rest and relax will help prevent further injury and promote healing.”
Signs Your Dog Is Sore After Running
Unlike humans who can verbalize their pain, dogs show their discomfort through behavioral and physical changes. Here are some telltale signs your pup might be feeling sore:
- Limping or favoring a leg – If your dog is avoiding putting weight on a particular limb
- Stiffness when moving – Especially noticeable when they first get up after resting
- Difficulty getting up or lying down – They might struggle to change positions
- Reluctance to climb stairs or jump – Activities that were previously easy become challenging
- Decreased energy or enthusiasm for play or walks
- Whining or yelping when touched in certain areas
- Changes in posture or the way they walk
- Excessive licking of a specific muscle area
My own dog used to give me the side-eye whenever I suggested a walk the day after our intense hiking adventures. Now I know he was probably feeling sore!
Factors That Affect How Sore Dogs Get
Not all dogs experience the same level of soreness after running. Several factors influence how your pup might feel after exercise:
1. Breed Differences
Some breeds are naturally built for endurance activities while others aren’t. For example:
| High-Endurance Breeds | Low-Endurance Breeds |
|---|---|
| Labrador Retrievers | French Bulldogs |
| Border Collies | Basset Hounds |
| Australian Shepherds | Pugs |
| Huskies | Bulldogs |
| German Shepherds | Dachshunds |
2. Age Matters
Puppies and senior dogs are more prone to soreness and exercise-related injuries:
- Puppies: Their growing joints and muscles are still developing and can be damaged by too much high-impact exercise
- Senior dogs: May have underlying arthritis or reduced muscle mass that makes them more susceptible to soreness
3. Fitness Level
Just like humans, dogs need to build up their endurance gradually. A weekend warrior approach (being inactive all week then going for intense exercise on weekends) is a recipe for soreness and potential injury.
4. Weather Conditions
Hot weather significantly increases the risk of not just soreness but heat-related illness. The same exercise that might be fine in cool weather can be excessive when it’s hot and humid.
Signs Your Dog Is Getting TOO Much Exercise
There’s a difference between normal post-workout soreness and signs that your dog is being overexercised. Watch for these red flags that indicate your pup needs to scale back:
1. Damaged Paw Pads
One of the most common signs of overexertion is worn or torn paw pads. Dogs who run on rough surfaces like concrete or gravel can literally run their pads raw! I’ve seen this happen with my neighbor’s Border Collie who would fetch until her paws were bleeding if they let her.
Injured pads may appear:
- Red and raw
- Have visible tears or flaps of skin
- Look thinner than normal
- Show signs of infection (swelling, pus)
2. Severe Muscle Soreness
While mild stiffness can be normal, severe muscle pain isn’t. Signs include:
- Struggling significantly to stand up after lying down
- Refusing to use stairs completely
- Whining frequently when moving
- Reluctance to move at all
3. Heat Sickness
This is especially concerning during warmer months:
- Excessive panting that doesn’t subside with rest
- Bright red tongue or gums
- Thick, ropy saliva
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Disorientation or collapse
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Boxers, Pugs, and Bulldogs are at much higher risk of heat-related problems due to their inefficient cooling systems.
4. Joint Injuries
Excessive exercise can lead to serious joint problems, especially in:
- Long, low-to-the-ground breeds (Dachshunds, Basset Hounds)
- Large and giant breeds
- Older dogs with arthritis
- Dogs with structural issues
5. Behavioral Changes
If your normally enthusiastic runner suddenly refuses to continue or shows reluctance to exercise, they’re trying to tell you something!
How to Help Your Sore Dog Feel Better
If you notice your pup is feeling sore after a run, here are some ways to help them recover:
1. Rest is Best
The most important thing for a sore dog is proper rest. Limit activity for 24-48 hours to allow their muscles to recover. As tempting as it might be to try and “work out the stiffness,” more exercise usually makes things worse!
2. Comfortable Bedding
Provide a soft, supportive place for your dog to rest. Orthopedic dog beds can be particularly helpful for sore muscles.
3. Gentle Massage
Light massage can help increase blood flow to sore muscles. Use gentle pressure and watch your dog’s reaction – if they seem uncomfortable, stop immediately.
4. Warm Compress
For stiff, sore muscles (not acute injuries), a warm compress can help increase circulation and provide comfort. I like to use a warm (not hot) towel on my dog’s hips when he’s stiff.
5. Veterinary Care
IMPORTANT: Never give your dog human pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen – these can be toxic to dogs!
If soreness persists for more than a day or two, or if your dog shows signs of severe pain, contact your veterinarian. They might recommend:
- Appropriate canine pain medication
- Anti-inflammatory treatments
- Physical therapy
- Additional diagnostics to rule out injuries
Preventing Soreness in Your Running Buddy
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Here’s how to minimize post-run soreness:
1. Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down
Just like humans, dogs benefit from warming up before exercise and cooling down afterward. Start with a 5-10 minute walk before increasing intensity, and end with another 5-10 minutes of decreased activity.
2. Gradual Conditioning
Build your dog’s fitness level gradually over time. Don’t expect your couch potato pup to suddenly run 5 miles with you!
A good rule I follow is the 10% rule – don’t increase exercise duration by more than 10% each week.
3. Appropriate Exercise for Your Dog
Consider your dog’s breed, age, health status, and fitness level when planning exercise. What’s appropriate for a young Border Collie is very different from what works for a senior Bulldog!
4. Nutrition and Hydration
Proper nutrition supports muscle recovery, and adequate hydration is essential before, during, and after exercise. Make sure fresh water is always available.
5. Rest Days
Include regular rest days in your exercise schedule. Even the most athletic dogs benefit from recovery time between workouts.
When to See a Vet About Soreness
While some post-exercise stiffness is normal, certain symptoms warrant veterinary attention:
- Limping that persists more than 24 hours
- Signs of severe pain (crying out, refusing to move)
- Swelling of limbs or joints
- Inability or extreme reluctance to stand or walk
- Symptoms that worsen rather than improve with rest
- Any concerning behavioral changes
Final Thoughts
So, can dogs get sore from running? Absolutely! Our furry friends experience muscle soreness just like we do, but they often hide their discomfort due to their stoic nature or desire to please us.
As responsible pet parents, it’s our job to recognize the signs of soreness, provide appropriate care, and prevent excessive exercise that could lead to injury. By understanding your dog’s limitations and gradually building their fitness level, you can help ensure that your running adventures together remain enjoyable and injury-free.
Remember, I’m no veterinarian, just a fellow dog lover who’s learned a lot about canine exercise through experience and research. Always consult with your vet if you have concerns about your dog’s exercise routine or if they show signs of pain or discomfort.
Do your dogs show signs of soreness after exercise? What do you do to help them recover? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Muscle Strain Vs. Joint Injury in Dogs – How to Tell The Difference
FAQ
How do I tell if my dog is sore from exercise?
- Struggling to rise after lying down.
- Refusing to walk up or down stairs.
- Reluctance to jump, such as up onto the couch.
- Whining when moving.
How do you treat a dog’s sore muscle?
To treat sore muscles in a dog, provide rest and restricted activity, apply a cold pack to reduce inflammation, and use a towel to prevent direct contact with skin. Consult your veterinarian for pain management, as they may prescribe dog-safe NSAIDs or other medications. Other potential treatments include gentle massage, providing a comfortable resting area, and in some cases, sedatives for strict rest.
What are the symptoms of overexertion in dogs?
Signs of over-exercising in a dog include muscle pain and stiffness, excessive panting and drooling, fatigue, reluctance to move or play, injuries like blisters on paw pads, and behavioral changes such as irritability or depression. You may also notice signs of heat exhaustion or stress, such as a bright red tongue or confusion. If you observe any of these symptoms, especially if they are severe or persistent, contact your veterinarian to prevent serious health complications.
How to tell if a dog is sore or hurt?
Your dog is sore or injured if you notice changes in their mobility, such as limping or stiffness, reluctance to move, or trouble getting up or down. Other signs include behavioral shifts like withdrawal, increased hiding, irritability, or growling; vocalizations such as whining, yelping, or grunting; changes in appetite or drinking habits; and excessive licking or grooming of a specific area. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian to determine the cause and receive proper treatment.